St. Paul (October 1, 2025) – Minnesota Retailers is proud to honor Gamezenter with the Retail Innovation award as part of the 2025-2026 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program. This award celebrates Gamezenter’s unique and forward-thinking business model that has revolutionized the retail experience for gaming enthusiasts.

"Gamezenter redefines what a retail store can be by creating a dynamic, community-focused hub for gamers," said Bruce Nustad, President of Minnesota Retailers. "They seamlessly blend retail sales with a space for people to connect and play, offering an innovative approach that not only attracts customers but builds a loyal, engaged community. Gamezenter is a prime example of a business that has successfully adapted to the changing retail landscape by offering a one-of-a-kind experience. We are thrilled to recognize them for their leadership in retail innovation."

Gamezenter, located in Roseville, has distinguished itself by offering more than just products; it provides an immersive experience. As the largest game store in the Midwest, the store features a massive game library, organized event spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages customers to stay, play, and connect with fellow gamers. This model has transformed the store into a vibrant community destination, creating a compelling reason for customers to visit in person.

"We are incredibly humbled to receive this prestigious award," said Kheuvin Xiong, TCG Lead at Gamezenter. "Our mission has always been to build a space that brings people together and celebrates the joy of gaming. This award is a testament to our team's dedication and the passion of our incredible community. We are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what a retail store can be and to serve as a home for gamers across Minnesota."

Gamezenter team members will accept the award at Retail Rally on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, starting at 2:00 p.m. The event—held at Brookview in Golden Valley—will feature an insightful keynote presentation from Business Growth Advisor Tamara Prato, titled “Driving Retail Growth: People, Planning, and Your Best Customers.” For more event details, visit www.retailrally.com.

Click here to watch a video featuring this award winner!

Click here to see all the 2025-2026 Minnesota's Retail Champions!

About Minnesota Retailers: Minnesota Retailers is a non-profit association formed to improve communities through a holistic investment in retail, representing small, regional, and national retailers. Our mission is to ensure collective success across Minnesota by advancing retail for businesses, employees, consumers, and policymakers. Our vision is to be the driving force in the evolution of the state's retail landscape through advocacy, valuable insights, and championing innovation. More at www.mnretail.org.

Contact: Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (651) 227-6631

St. Paul (October 1, 2025) – Minnesota Retailers is excited to recognize Chuck & Don's as the Best Place To Work as part of the 2025-2026 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program. This award celebrates Chuck & Don's exceptional workplace culture, which is built on a foundation of employee empowerment, comprehensive training, and a shared passion for pet wellness.

"Chuck & Don's has long been a leader in creating a supportive and enriching environment for its employees," said Bruce Nustad, President of Minnesota Retailers. "Their mission driven culture, opportunities for career growth, and a positive atmosphere where employees feel valued sets a remarkable standard for the entire retail industry. This award is a testament to their dedication to building a workplace where every team member can thrive."

Chuck & Don's is renowned for its investment in its employees, offering a wide range of benefits and educational opportunities. From training on pet nutrition and care to leadership development programs, the company ensures its team members have the knowledge and skills to provide world-class service. This focus on professional development, coupled with a genuine passion for pets, has cultivated a community of dedicated and knowledgeable employees who are truly invested in their work.

"We are incredibly proud and honored to receive the Best Place To Work award," said Paul McKim, Senior Vice President, Channels & Operations for Independent Pet Partners, the parent company of Chuck & Don’s. "Our team members are the heart of our company, and this recognition reinforces our belief that a positive and empowering workplace culture is essential for success. We are committed to continuing our efforts to make Chuck & Don's a place where our employees feel supported, motivated, and excited to come to work every day."

Chuck & Don's will accept the award at Retail Rally on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, starting at 2:00 p.m. The event—held at Brookview in Golden Valley—will feature an insightful keynote presentation from Business Growth Advisor Tamara Prato, titled “Driving Retail Growth: People, Planning, and Your Best Customers.” For more event details, visit www.retailrally.com.

Click here to watch a video featuring this award winner!

Click here to see all the 2025-2026 Minnesota's Retail Champions!

About Minnesota Retailers: Minnesota Retailers is a non-profit association formed to improve communities through a holistic investment in retail, representing small, regional, and national retailers. Our mission is to ensure collective success across Minnesota by advancing retail for businesses, employees, consumers, and policymakers. Our vision is to be the driving force in the evolution of the state's retail landscape through advocacy, valuable insights, and championing innovation. More at www.mnretail.org.

Contact: Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (651) 227-6631

St. Paul (October 3, 2024) -- Join Minnesota Retailers as we recognize ten leading retailers and industry partners with the announcement of the 2024-2025 Minnesota’s Retail Champions awards.
Winners will accept their awards during Retail Rally on Thursday, October 10, 2024, beginning at 2:00 p.m. in Golden Valley.

“We are proud to recognize ten innovative retailers, communities and partners that are leading the way in connecting with consumers and today’s trends following a vigorous process to identify Minnesota’s Retail Champions,” said Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers president. “The retail industry has a deep impact on Minnesota communities, and these award recipients are truly representative of what is great about retail across the state, how the industry is changing, and what it takes to attract customers today.”

The following is a complete list of the 2024-2025 Minnesota’s Retail Champion award recipients:

Vendor Partner of the Year
Cry Baby Craig’s, Faribault, MN
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Customer Experience
Latuff Brothers Auto Body, St. Paul, MN
Nominated by the Midway Chamber of Commerce
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Social Responsibility
Peace Coffee, Minneapolis, MN
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Retail Innovation
Hmong Village, St. Paul, MN
Nominated by Energy Smart, a program of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Retail Community of the Year
Downtown Elk River Business Association, Elk River, MN
Nominated by the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Best Place To Work
Tradehome Shoes, Cottage Grove, MN
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Retail Mentor of the Year
Andrea Hanson, Phileo Style, Red Wing, MN
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Advocate of the Year
Hillary Feder, Hillary's, Hopkins, MN
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Retailer of the Year
Bloedow Bakery, Winona, MN
Nominated by the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Lifetime Achievement
Mary Fuhrman, Hy-Vee
> Click here to read more about this award, including quotes and a video

Minnesota Retailers started the awards process by putting out a statewide call for nominations early in the year. A panel of peer judges reviewed nearly ten dozen nominations and selected the top nominee in each category. 

Watch a Youtube playlist of award winners here!

Click here to see all the photos from Retail Rally.

Retail Rally is changing the way retailers and their key business partners engage with today’s consumer. This year's Retail Rally features a panel of "game changers" who are transforming the retail landscape in Minnesota and beyond. Get ready for incredible insights, inspiring stories, and a peek into the future of retail. Tickets to Retail Rally are $25 online and free for media at www.retailrally.com.

About Minnesota Retailers: Minnesota Retailers is a non-profit association formed to improve communities through a holistic investment in retail, representing small, regional, and national retailers. Our mission is to ensure collective success across Minnesota by advancing retail for businesses, employees, consumers, and policymakers. Our vision is to be the driving force in the evolution of the state's retail landscape through advocacy, valuable insights, and championing innovation. More at www.mnretail.org.

Contact: Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., (651) 227-6631